Digital interventions for concussion: Connecting youth and their families to care

Concussions are very common among children and adolescents. While many recover without complication, a third of those who sustain a concussion will experience symptoms that last months or years after injury. Children and adolescents who experience a slower than typical recovery report lower quality of life. This means they have increased physical and mental health concerns, more family stress, and reduced participation in valued activities (e.g., school, sports). Despite the prevalence and negative impacts of concussion, treatment options are lacking and often inaccessible (e.g., expensive, only located in major city centers). My research aims to create accessible treatment options for children and adolescents who sustain concussions. I will develop and test digital health interventions that support children, adolescents, and their families with their recovery (e.g., psychoeducational websites and smart-phone app-based behavioral interventions). This research will improve the lives of the many Canadian youth and families who have been impacted by concussion. This knowledge will be shared with other researchers and healthcare providers to improve concussion care.